What makes us sick?

Chances are that before we come down with a cold, flu, or something more serious, we were working long hours, eating on-the-go, getting little sleep and operating at full-speed ahead!  While not always the case, many people report that sickness creeps up on them in times of stress, when they're pushing themselves too hard.

Science is beginning to back up this observation!  Studies now show that many viruses and bacteria quietly reside within us until something within the body's internal environment becomes unbalanced. Then they rally into action and attack. 

Thankfully, our bodies come naturally equipped with an amazing system that removes and filters viruses and bacteria ~ The Lymphatic System!  To keep our immune system strong and supported, it’s vital that lymph fluid - the clear, watery fluid rich in white blood cells - cleanses our bodies through active movement, as well as contractions and stretching of the skeletal muscles.  As wise as the body is however, there is no internal pump to achieve that movement other than how much we move our bodies!   Our lymphatic system operates most efficiently when our physical and emotional bodies are free of stress and anxiety.

This Spring, become an active participant in the management of your own health and well being as we combine Breath and Movement in a purposeful sequence to include pranayama, twists, and inversions that help de-stress and support the immune system.

Say YES to health and happiness with us!  Appropriate for all levels.

**MEDITATION CLASSES WILL RESUME LATER THIS FALL...STAY TUNED!**

A lifelong resident of West Michigan, Herb was introduced to Vedic thought in the late 1970’s at the Vivekananda Monastery, in Ganges, MI, and was later initiated by Swami Bhashyananda of the Chicago Vedanta Society and accompanied him on a pilgrimage to India in the mid 1980’s.  Of particular note in this pilgrimage was an opportunity to participate in the Kumba Mela event at Hardwar, an unforgettable event attended by many hundreds of thousands of fellow pilgrims.  As a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda of the Chicago Kriya Temple, Herb follows the path of mystical esoteric Kriya Yoga. Herb is a certified meditation instructor assisting others in opening up to inner silence and harmony.  Herb has been a supporter of Mother’s Trust in Ganges, MI, since its inception and is a frequent speaker there.  Visit their website for weekly workshops and gatherings at www.motherstrust.org.  

Meditation Training and Introduction to Yoga Philosophy

Yoga is by any standard an ancient system, having emerged from the late Bronze Age to become one of the six principle systems of Indian philosophy.  Yoga is not a religion, but rather a comprehensive system that ponders our place in the cosmos, provides us with a means of transcending the seeming insanity of our world and helps us establish a life philosophy the emphasizes positivity, peace and serenity.  The Yoga philosophy is also unique in its compatibility with current findings in the fields of science, including quantum physics, astronomy, and medicine.

Ancient texts such as the Shiva Sutras, the Yoga Spandakarika, Bagavad Gita and others will be used as reference to trace and explore the history of this system.

Meditation is central to Yoga, as it offers us our own personal route to an inner tranquil state.  Various techniques will be presented and numerous guided meditations will be offered.

Are you breathing?  Of course!  Are you breathing consciously to help create the life you desire?

Conscious breathing translates to 'utilizing breath to support our body, our mind, our entire being.'  Certain breathing techniques will help bring more life and excitement, helping release depression and sadness ~ some breathing techniques help release dis-ease or discomfort ~ some balance the right / left brain, therefore balancing the nervous system, thus releasing stress and anxiety, and so on!  Come and learn the POWER OF BREATH, and learn how to manifest the life you are destined for!

Pranayama is the yogic science of breathing often referred to as ‘conscious breathing.’  Through the air we breathe, oxygen is the most vital nutrient in our body.  It is essential for the integrity of our brain, nerves, glands, internal organs, and our immune system as a whole.  Within the air we breathe is also prana.  Prana is the life force energy which exist in all living systems, including humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms.  Life requires many different variations of movement, including nerve impulses, blood and other fluids, muscles, and joints, and movement of thoughts through the mind.  Ultimately, for all movement, energy is required.  When this energy is present we call this life.  For life to exist, there must be Prana!

Yoga in its various aspects is based upon Prana, whether it be increased flexibility, strength, stamina, self-awareness, emotionally stability, or peace of mind.

In the practice of yoga we understand to change something we must alter the energy which creates it.  To bring about positive changes in the body and mind we must understand the energy through which they work.  Since Prana is taken in through the air we breathe, pranayama breathing exercises increase the amount of air we take in, and therefore increase the intake of Prana.  With increased Prana and oxygen, not only do we stimulate our immune system, but we also strengthen our entire inter-cellular function through the air we exhale.  Almost three fourths of the toxins in our body are released through the exhalation.  Through the exhalation, we release accumulated physical, emotional, and mental toxins which include stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, allergies, migraines, acidity, low self-esteem, lack of focus or gratitude - and the list goes on!

These popular pranayama classes offer guided and carefully instructed exercises to strength, purify, and balance the mind, body, and spirit.  Join Brian on Saturdays at 7:30am for this life-changing awareness of breath.